49 Days to Go! Disney Honors America’s 250th Birthday in a Big Way
- Jillian Wallin
- Oct 21
- 3 min read
One of the coolest things about Disney—beyond the resorts, parks, and characters—is how incredibly supportive they are of military families. We’ll dive deeper into that a little later in the countdown, but today’s post is all about a fresh announcement from The Walt Disney Company that dropped just yesterday!
🎉 A Historic Celebration Is Coming
On October 20, 2025, Disney announced a full-scale celebration in honor of America’s 250th birthday. Can you believe it? Two hundred and fifty years!
This milestone is being hailed as a “historic celebration,” and Disney is going all out with:
A 24-hour, multi-platform broadcast
A new Soarin’ ride experience—hello, Soarin’ Across America!
A $2.5 million donation to Blue Star Families
If you’re not familiar with Blue Star Families, these are the immediate family members of U.S. military personnel serving during wartime. These families are authorized (by the US Government) to hang a special flag in their homes to honor their loved one’s service. As someone who once had that flag hanging in our home, this recognition means the world to me.
“Disney Celebrates America!”
Timeline & Highlights
Running from Veteran’s Day 2025 through July 4, 2026, this celebration will be packed with patriotic magic across parks, screens, and merchandise. Here’s what we know so far:
✈️ In the Parks
Summer 2026: Soarin’ Across America launches at Disney California Adventure and Epcot, taking guests on a breathtaking journey across the U.S. (need more information about this I would hope it would begin sooner!)
July 4, 2026: Disney Celebrates America – A Fourth of July Concert in the Sky will light up both Disneyland and Magic Kingdom. (Yes, I’m already dreaming of a July 4th trip!)
📺 Across Disney Platforms
Disney+, Hulu, ABC, ESPN, Freeform, FX, and National Geographic will feature special anniversary content.
ABC’s Good Morning America continues its “50 States in 50 Weeks” series.
National Geographic launches “America in Superlatives.”
ESPN kicks off “America’s Team,” a nationwide search for the team that best embodies the American spirit.
ABC News Studios will air a June 2026 special connecting iconic Disney park locales to their real-life counterparts.
🛍️ Merchandise & More
Honor Collection: A special release honoring our US Military has already been released in the parks! This merchandise has officially hit the parks and DisneyStore.com, however, when its gone, its gone. Which is why I have utulized my favorite Disney Shopper - MagicalMainstreetShoppers to ensure the Honor collection zip up that I LOVE will be in my mailbox soon!
May 2026: Americana-themed merchandise drops at both U.S. parks and Disneystore.com. Take my money now!
🎖️ Military Appreciation Continues
Disney’s commitment to military families shines throughout this celebration:
Daily Flag Retreat ceremonies may include active and retired service members visiting the parks.
Disneyland 2023 - Photo Credit Jillian Wallin Special screenings for military families at bases and key locations.
ABC News will cover events featuring veterans and active-duty personnel worldwide.
November 2025: Expect special offers across Disney World, Disneyland, and Disney Cruise Line.
Disney will continue supporting the U.S. Chamber Corporate Fellowship and Skillbridge programs. (I had never heard of this and if you havent either I highlight recommend you check it out!)
💬 Share Your Story
There’s more to come, but in the meantime—do you have a Disney military story to share?
I’d love to feature some reader experiences in future countdown posts.
Drop a comment or send me a message!
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